Libya’s Bahr Essalam Phase 2 offshore gas project starts production

Mellitah Oil & Gas, a joint venture between Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), has started production from the first well of the offshore Bahr Essalam Phase 2 project

This comes just three years after the final investment decision. Two further wells will begin production within a week. An additional seven wells will come on-stream by October 2018.

The Phase 2 of the project completes the development of the largest offshore producing gas field in Libya, increasing production potential by 400 mmscfd. Phase 2 will be completed between September and October, bringing total field production to 1,100 mmscfd.

Bahr Essalam, located about 120km northwest of Tripoli, contains more than 260 bcm of gas. This is delivered through the Sabratha platform to the Mellitah onshore treatment plant before principally being used to supply the national network.

Fayez Al-Saraj, chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya and prime minister of the government of the National Accord, commented, “The opening of Phase 2 of the Bahr Essalam offshore project will definitely add true value to the national economy. In the past, we missed huge investment opportunities due to the lack of budget. However, today we are committed more than at any time to encourage investment in the oil sector, and to grant promising opportunities to global giants on a commercial basis that serves the interest of this partnership, and creates growth that gives new hope to the Libyan youth.”

Mustafa Sanalla, chairman of NOC, added, “This will support the development of the domestic market and reduce costly liquid fuel imports.”

Speaking to North Africa’s gas project, Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, noted, “The project further demonstrates the trust and recognition Eni has in NOC as Libya’s sole legitimate oil corporation.”

Eni has been present in Libya since 1959, where it currently produces around 320,000 boepd.